“The research says…”
In the past, we’ve talked about insights vs. instincts, but I think it’s time for a refresher.
We must begin with this understanding: every decision in life can’t be dictated by data and research.
I want to pause here to say that I am not anti-research. I am not anti-science. There are times that I rely on insights to make important decisions for my business and personal life. Data can be helpful. It’s nice to know the insights into what time of day people are most likely to open emails and to understand the market research about consumers and the next generation.
But if we start to build our businesses, brands, organizations, and churches solely on research, we end up with more of the same. And the products and people that change the world are the ones that create something different.
Did they have specific research that showed people would love the iPhone even before the money was spent to create it?
Is the polling always accurate to show who will win the election?
Do the accountants’ data show that being closed on Sundays is good for business?
Where was the historical evidence that proved to the Wright Brothers that flying a plane was possible?
Do the predictive analytics have the right team winning the Super Bowl or the World Series each year?
It’s not just about data and research, sometimes the best ideas aren’t battle-tested because they haven’t been done before.
Steve Jobs was known to say, “If Henry Ford would have asked people what they wanted, they would’ve said faster horses.”
Often, innovation requires you to think outside the box, rather than relying only on research or data. If you’re making your decisions based on the same information that’s available to everyone else competing with you, your solution isn’t likely to be remarkable.
Here’s the challenge for us this week: let’s think for ourselves.
God has given you a brain. He’s given you instincts. So leverage your unique perspective to create something new or to design a new solution to an old problem.
Your impulses and instincts often lead to the greatest changes and opportunities; don’t ignore them!
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